Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Chicago and Glendale have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 1%
$75,134/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 7%
$315,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$347,000 ↑ 10%
$1,502/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 10%
2,707,648
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,995/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Glendale — common questions

Is Chicago or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Glendale?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Glendale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $4,995/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Arizona?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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